Artsy, but not fartsy

It's been an artsy day for me. This morning, my workplace held its monthly staff event, and this month's theme was a talent show. I was told early in the morning that there were very few "acts" signed up for it, so they were going to be spaced out and people could mingle, and perform if they decided on the spur of the moment. I did something I don't do very often: I determined the chords for "Thank You For the Music" and performed it! So for those of who who missed it, it'll be years before my next scheduled performance. My solo-ing goes on the same kind of schedule as a comet.

My other "artsy" moment today came when I finished the first of some collages I want to make. I decided to do scrapbook-style pages of various parts of our honeymoon last year.

This is obviously San Francisco, and these pictures were taken as we tried to find our way out of the city.

I don't know which set of pictures I'll tackle next, but it may be Disneyland.

Next picture: We went to Montana's for supper tonight, and I got Jason to play hangman with me. After he figured out what the word was, he proceeded to guess every letter of the alphabet in order to avoid filling in the word. However, I outsmarted him by giving the man a hat, gloves, briefcase, pipe, and monocle before I would consider him complete. Notice that he does not have a left foot, and you will see that Jason managed to figure out the word in time to save the man's life!

Acts 29

Over the past 4 Sundays, Edmonton Temple has been privileged to have three distinguished guest speakers visiting. The first was Dr. Ron Powell, a local youth ministry instructor. He came to us to speak specifically to the problem of bullying that faces so many people in our society, both children and adults. Second was Dr. Don Burke, President of Booth University College. And today we were blessed by the teaching of Dr. Paul Magnus, who is a member of the faculty at Briercrest College and Seminary.

Dr. Magnus challenged us to be a church of Irresistible Influence. I would invite you to listen to his challenge online.

Another brief conversation that I found interesting today came just before the Sunday morning service. Last Sunday I was presented with my Candidate pin, indicating that I have been granted acceptance to enter into the College for Officer Training, which I wear on my uniform. While I was in the church office waiting for something I needed for the service one of the other members of the church commented on the significant level of commitment that this little pin indicates.

This person made the comment that they believe that people's desire to avoid making commitments is a serious problem in our society. I would have to agree that there is a general tendency by people to avoid long-term commitments.

As a high school student I was told by educators that, statistically speaking, I would likely hold not only multiple jobs but would most probably change careers several times. People just don't stay with the same employers for 40 or more years very often any more.

In my previous position with The Salvation Army I attended a couple of volunteer management seminars and workshops. During each of these, as part of the teaching given on attracting volunteers, we were told that volunteers are often not looking for ongoing opportunities, but rather prefer to commit to one-time events.

As I listened to Dr. Magnus' challenge to be a church of irresistible influence, I wondered how much more significant and effective our witness would be if our level of commitment to the faith we claim wasn't hindered by the evasion of commitment that is so common in our society.

I sincerely believe that God has a calling for each person's life. I know full well that not all are called to vocational ministry such as Salvation Army Officership, but God does still call some to this lifestyle. It can be a difficult thing to commit to, but I am confident that God equips those who are willing to surrender to this calling. I know for myself that part of this equipping has been a change of attitude. I was extremely resistant to my own calling to Officership, but since I decided that I wanted the best that Christ had in store for my life God has given me a new enthusiasm for the life that lies ahead of me.

While commitment is something that we resist, it seems obvious to me that those things that require of us the greatest level of commitment are the things that provide the greatest return on our investment.

Baked Perogies

Susan and I named our blog, "Musical Pots" to reflect each of our creative passions: music and cooking. Susan loves music and is very talented while I enjoy experimenting with our next meal.

One of my favourite things to whip up quickly is baked perogies. I don't measure, so you'll have to experiment with how much of each ingredient you use based on your own taste preferences.

While the recipe changes each time I make them, here's the basics with some variations:

Ingredients:

1. Perogies (I usually use potato and cheddar, but whatever type is your favourite will work fine)
2. Chopped yellow onion to taste (1/2 should do it)
3. Butter or margerine (amount depends on the number of perogies you are making)
4. Freshly minced/chopped garlic
5. Lemon juice
6. Lime juice
7. Ground cayenne pepper
8. Ground cumin
9. Ground mustard
10. Paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a small frying pan melt some butter at a medium low temperature
3. Add in the chopped onion and saute until tender
4. Add the garlic for a short time (2 minutes)
5. Remove the onion and garlic from heat
6. In a casserole dish place the desired number of frozer perogies
7. Add desired amount of butter cut into small cubes and placed on top of the perogies
8. Add lemon and lime juice to taste over the perogies
9. Sprinkle the spices over the perogies to taste. You can experiment with spices to suite your taste preferences
10. Cover and place in the over for 15 minutes. Remove and stir. Return to the over for another 15 minutes.
11. Enjoy

Other variations I've tried include frying up some turkey bacon to cut up and add to the dish. I've also added dried cranberries with great success.

This is an easy meal with minimal prep time that is ready in just half an hour.

Ambassadors of Holiness

...this is the name of the next session of cadets that will train at The Salvation Army's training facilities. Around the world cadets from this session have already begun their training in territories where the training program begins in January or February. In September the Canada and Bermuda Territory will welcome a group of cadets to the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg, Manitoba.


On his website, General Shaw Clifton explained that "this name brings into focus the holiness teaching which is such a key part of the Army's mission and identity. It reminds us of the need for every officer to understand, to teach and to exemplify the truths expressed in our 10th doctrine."


I am pleased to say that Susan and I will be moving to Winnipeg in late August as I join this session in preparation to enter into Salvation Army Officership. Susan will continue to remain involved with The Salvation Army as a lay person and soldier, but will not be entering the training program. This is a fairly new concept in the SA as we have historically operated under a model that required married couples to both enter in officership or for an officer to marry another officer. This is the second year in a row that our territory has accepted a single-spouse candidate for training.


This has been a fairly lengthy process for me. I have the letter that was issued after I first requested to begin the application process. It is dated December 14, 2005, but I really first started to consider officership a few years before that in 2001 while working as a camp counselor at Camp Selkirk in Ontario.


Keep watching for more news as we learn more about this exciting transition!

Susan's turn to write

Hello to everyone in internet-land!

Yes, it's Susan, making a debut post on the Musical Pots blog!

Jason and I have been extremely busy lately, with Christmas-related activities making our lives so crazy that Christmas has been the furthest thing from our minds. Somehow, despite that, it came, and on Christmas morning we found ourselves amidst new hats, lots of chocolate, David Letterman books (yes, more than one. turns out we bought it for each other), and other goodies.

My gift-related highlight was the fact that Jason organized people to get money for my savings project of a piano instead of getting big gifts for me. I was able to go out to the Yamaha store yesterday and pick up a nice little model that fits nicely into the apartment. Thank you to all family who helped out with that!

We've enjoyed dinners with Jason's parents, grandmother, brother and sister-in-law, played games and just had time to relax.

As far as I can see, it's been a good Christmas.

Why don't you tell us about yours?